Here are some ideas and tips to help you make your move to your new home an easy one...

Stay out of the way: Have your realtor show your home while you are away. If you are at home or have guests, make every effort to keep out of the prospective buyer's way. Remember, you are not there as a host. Don't make excuses for the house and don't draw attention to its faults.

Minimize distractions: Turn off the television or radio to let the realtor and buyer talk without disturbance. Restrain pets or put them outside.

Clean up: Try to keep your home constantly presentable while it's listed. Clear and clean countertops, windows and appliances. Keep the garden and exterior neat and tidy.

Bright bathrooms: Even if bathrooms aren't large, they will look better if they are neat and orderly. Always check the bathrooms before the house is shown. Clean bathrooms are a critical selling point.

Storage space: Closets, basements and attics can't be empty, but they should look uncluttered. You are going to move anyway, so begin to go through your belongings; boxing and discarding anything you are not going to use.

Before you sell your home and decide to move, consider which items you would like to keep, what you would like to donate and distribute or what you would like to pitch out. In the cleaning-out process, basically you have four choices:

1) You may want to give some things to your children or other family members. Before throwing anything out, check with them. You'd be surprised at some of the things they might want.

2) Have a garage sale. It can be lucrative and fun. However, it can be quite stressful! An alternative to conducting the sale personally is to ask your children to become involved, or to hire a professional. Professionals normally charge a percentage of the gross sales. Your children probably won't charge anything. Be sure to have enough helpers, as theft is common at garage sales.

3) Some of the things that cannot be used can be donated to charitable organizations. One simple call and pick up is usually arranged. Don't forget to get a receipt, if possible. Not all organizations give receipts, but they need your donations.

4) If your children do not want any of the items; if no one is interested in buying them; if charity will not accept them, throw the items out.

When you first think of moving, before anything else, make a detailed inventory of your possessions, particularly those of value or that might suffer damage. It will help you focus on what to keep and what to get rid of. It will also be valuable in the event of an insurance claim, whether from the move or for some other reason. Be descriptive and include damage, if any, so there will be fewer arguments with the movers. Check what damage or loss coverage the mover offers, then check with your own insurance company to see what your coverage is.

DON'T take anything for granted! Ask questions... lots of questions... if you want a safe, secure move. We suggest you go through this personal moving guide with your family so everyone will have an idea of what needs to be done to complete a successful move. Where appropriate, assign responsibilities and deadlines for the completion of tasks. Cross tasks off the list as they are completed or if they are not applicable. When all of the boxes are crossed off you should be well prepared for your move.

4 Weeks Before Moving...
Tour your home and yard to determine which items should be discarded, donated to charity, or given to family and friends.

Take measurements in your new home so that you can determine what furniture will fit, if draperies will fit the windows, etc. This will help you to decide which items to keep.

When choosing a moving company, check with friends or relatives who have moved and ask for their recommendations and suggestions. Check Yellow Pages. Decide if you want to pack things yourself or if you'd prefer to have the moving company pack everything for you. Though moving charges are regulated in some locales, there are varying charges for materials such as company-provided boxes and some services. Compare and contrast estimates from different companies.

Contact your moving company and get an accurate estimate of all your moving charges including insurance. Get a firm date for packing and loading your furniture and get a firm date for arrival at destination. Also, confirm availability and cost of a truck or trailer, packing boxes and materials, furniture covers and tie downs, appliance moving devices, helpers for the move and insurance. Begin using up all of your frozen foods and staples. Buy only what will be used before moving. Movers won't take frozen foods or opened bottles, jars or cans.

3 Weeks Before Moving...
Confirm arrangements for pets. Make sure all shots and vaccinations are current and certificates have been picked up. Make arrangements for food, water and waste disposal for the duration of the trip. You may want to consider a portable kennel or check with the veterinarian about 'calming' pills for trip. Make sure you have good ID in case of loss and confirm 'boarding' while packing and unpacking.

Make arrangements for a new veterinarian.

Confirm if you can move plants. Ask for information on preparing plants for the move.

Return any rented or borrowed books, tapes, magazines, records, CDs, videos, jewelry, photos or photo equipment, kitchenware, office equipment, garden equipment, tools, clothing, school books, tools, clothing or musical instruments.

Make provision for disposing of any flammables: paint cans, matches, pressurized cans, cleaning fluids, barbecue starters, batteries, part bottles of fluid, oil and lubricants. Also dispose of glues, solvents, inks and liquid dyes, hazardous material, building material scraps and "junk treasures".

Prepare to send address change notifications to the post office, utility companies, health insurance providers charge accounts, subscriptions, friends, relatives, insurance companies, banking and investment companies and medical and dental offices. Remember to let the sources of your federal and private pensions know about your change of address even if your checks are direct-deposited to your bank account.

Contact closest postal outlet 2 weeks before moving and complete "Change of Address" form. Bring at least one form of identification. Here's a link to the United States Postal Service (USPS) that can help: https://moversguide.usps.com/

2 Weeks Before Moving...
Draw a floor plan of your new home. Number each room and show furniture placement in each room. Give a copy to each family member and the movers. Mark each box by room number as it's packed and identify each piece of furniture by room number before it is loaded. Start packing if you plan to do it yourself. Normally your moving company can provide information and may provide boxes.

Arrange for a pet-sitter for moving day if required.

Arrange for discontinuation of all utilities, deliveries and services.

1 Week Before Moving...
Prepare any vehicles for the trip. Make an appointment for a tune-up and check brakes, signal lights, tires, belts and lights.

Start packing all suitcases for the trip.

Ensure you have all basic essentials. Make sure that any valuable documents are properly and securely packed and stored.

Drain fluids from equipment. Be sure to include water from hoses, oil and gas from lawnmowers and other power machinery. Defrost and wipe dry the fridge and freezer, and don't forget to empty the water pan.

Take down or dismantle items affixed, but not staying with the house. These items may include curtains and rods, shelving units, plant hangers, antennas/aerials, speakers, special light fixtures, ornate switch/plug plates, hanging pot holders/small appliance holders and spice racks (depending on the conditions of your sale agreement). Dismantle home theatre and sound systems, plant vines, computer systems and large power tools. Bolt work benches together.

Apply a light coat of quality paste wax to your furniture for protection from possible scratching.

On Packing Day...
Ensure that movers/packers know what stays with the house and what goes with the move. They should also know which items are fragile and valuable. Don't pack garbage or used ashtrays and make sure the packers have a clear space to work in each room. Take the pets to the sitter the packers arrive.

On Moving Out Day...
Stay home until the van has left.

Tour your house with the van operator during inventory; challenge damages noted on the Bill of Lading that you disagree with. Make the operator take his time so you can protect your own interests.

Don't sign the Bill of Lading until you are satisfied!!! - Make sure the moving company has the correct delivery address and a phone number where you can be reached.

Before the van leaves check house, yard and garage for overlooked items.

Make certain utilities accounts are closed, lights are turned off, windows are closed, doors are locked and you have all the keys.

Leave keys as agreed with your Realtor/Lawyer/Landlord.

On Moving In Day...
Carefully check all items against Bill of Lading Inventory, as they are unloaded. Confirm any unpacking requirements. If movers do unpacking, monitor results carefully. If there is any loss, damage or breakage, note it on the Bill of Lading. Before signing the Bill of Lading write: "Without Prejudice to a loss or damage claim" on every sheet. Only after this has been done should you sign the Bill of Lading. Check for claimable damage as soon as possible and present the claim within the specified time limit.

Additional Tips
Check the Calendar…certain times of the year are busier moving times. It's wise to plan ahead and make sure there is availability on the day you want to move. It is important to book your moving services well ahead to secure your ideal moving date. Remember that time is important on moving day. For instance, if you have a waterbed, it is likely to take around two hours to empty the water! So plan ahead and consider doing certain tasks the night before.

Don't Make Avoidable Mistakes
It's a good idea to compare measurements of the doorways and hallways in your new home. You may actually need to sell or donate some items.

Don't forget to be environmentally friendly!
Flatten all your moving boxes for recycling. Many moving companies will pick them up after your move.

Don't Forget the Bills and Expenses
It is important to arrange finances for quick cash to cover unexpected or emergency moving-related expenses. Budget wisely for items you may need once you move in to your new home. Did you remember to budget for those supplies you disposed of before moving, for instance?

Enjoy your Old Home, New Home, and Even Moving Day!
You'll be able to browse through some wonderful memories in years to come by making a video or album of your old home. Don't forget to include neighbors and friends!

You'll have more time to enjoy settling into your new home if you clean your belongings before they are moved.

Fun music will create a positive mood when it's time to start packing and unpacking. Turning the TV on may be too distracting.

Do Right by the Buyers
It is important to make it quite clear to prospective buyers/tenants exactly what is included with the property. Are any appliances included? What about window treatments, rugs, etc.?

You should always shut and lock all windows and doors as you leave your old home on moving day.

How do People Come out of Moves Alive, Happy, and with Most of their Belongings in Tact?
Use colorful tags to indicate each destination if your furniture and household items are being delivered to different locations.

A couch can usually be moved into your new home more easily by standing it on end and twisting it through the doorway.

A close friend or relative can help out on moving day by acting as a message center for you if you don't have a mobile phone.

Your local newspaper can be a great resource for finding out about facilities, services and events in your new neighborhood.

Don't despair if you are not totally happy with your new home on the day you move in. Keep in mind that most homes can be adapted over time to suit your lifestyle and tastes.

Enjoy your move...and welcome to Trypillian Village!